Inflatable game system and method of use

ABSTRACT

An inflatable structure with a bottom portion capable of allowing the device to float in a body of water. A vertical tower structure extends upwards away from the bottom portion. Several arms extend away from the top of the vertical tower structure, each ending in an anchor point for receiving a string. At the end of each string is a tossable object. A goal is affixed to the side of the vertical tower structure corresponding with each tossable object. The purpose of the game is to toss the tossable object towards the goal and to hook the ring onto the hook or place the ball within the basket. The entire bottom portion, vertical tower, and arms are made of a single inflatable structure which can be deflated and stored or transported, and inflated to float in the body of water. Drink holders could be contained within the bottom portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a game system and method for use thereof, and more specifically to an inflatable game structure with a tossable object anchored to a string and a target.

2. Description of the Related Art

Popular gaming systems including ring toss games involving a ring, a hook, and a board have existed for a long time. Similar games which also involve a rod extending out above the board with a string affixed to the rod and the ring have also been around for quite some time. Variants of this game come in a number of names, such as “Bimini Ring,” “Bimini Toss,” “Tiki Toss,” “Wallhooky,” and, simply, “Ring Toss.”

The typical set-up for such a game requires the user to place a hook somewhere, usually permanently. A ring is then affixed to a string by tying the string directly to the edge of the ring. The other end of the string is affixed to a ceiling of overhang, allowing the user to swing the ring from a starting position and attempt to hook the ring onto the hook. A ball may also be used to be tossed towards a basket-like goal.

The problem with existing game systems such as these is that they require appropriate structures and surfaces to anchor the string for the tossable object (e.g. ring or ball) and another structure and surface to place the target. Portable embodiments similar to this invention generally require a weighted base, anchor, or stake of some sort to provide a stable game that functions properly. Absent these features, existing games would be in danger of toppling or shifting during play. These existing systems would also render them unable to be played on a body of water as a playing surface. What is needed is a lightweight, portable, and floatable device capable of providing a game platform.

Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for an inflatable game system with the advantages and features of the present invention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides an inflatable structure with a bottom portion capable of allowing the device to float in a body of water. A vertical tower structure extends upwards away from the bottom portion. Several arms extend away from the top of the vertical tower structure, each ending in an anchor point for receiving a string. At the end of each string is a tossable object, such as a ball or a ring. A goal is affixed to the side of the vertical tower structure corresponding with each tossable object. The goal may be a hook for a ring or a basket for a ball. The purpose of the game is to toss the tossable object towards the goal and to hook the ring onto the hook or place the ball within the basket. The entire bottom portion, vertical tower, and arms are made of a single inflatable structure which can be deflated and stored or transported, and inflated to float in the body of water. Drink holders could be contained within the bottom portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating various objects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view thereof.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 4 is an alternative side elevational view thereof.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction and Environment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up, down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientated in the view being referred to. The words, “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof. Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction of travel, if appropriate. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiment Inflatable Game System 2

As shown in the figures, the present invention is an inflatable game system 2 which includes an inflatable structure formed from a bottom portion 4, vertical tower structure 6, and at least one arm 8 extending away from the top of the tower 6. As shown, this could be the shape of a palm tree with a trunk operating as the vertical tower structure and palm leaves operating as the arms, however any suitable shape and size could be used. The bottom portion 4, vertical tower structure 6, and arm(s) 8 are all connected together and inflatable such that the entire assembly can float in a body of water. Each of the bottom portion 4, vertical tower structure 6, and arm(s) 8 could be separately inflatable, defining their own space for receiving air to prevent a single puncture from causing the entire device to deflate, or the entire assembly could define a single air space. Alternatively, the bottom portion 4 could be a single defined air space, with the vertical tower structure 6 and arms 8 defining a second air space. In the case of multiple arms 8, each could be separately inflatable or connected together to form one defined air space for inflating all arms.

Goals or targets 12 are connected to the vertical tower structure 6, with one goal corresponding with each one arm 8. The arm ends in an anchor point 18 which receives one end of a string 10. The other end of the string 10 is connected to a tossable object 14, such as a ring or a ball. In the case of a ring, the goal 12 will be a hook, with a target of placing the ring onto the hook by tossing it towards the goal. In the case of a ball, the goal 12 may be a basket or a hoop for receiving the ball when tossed towards the goal.

The bottom portion 4 may include one or more beverage receptacles 16 for storing a beverage while using the game system 2. These could be insulated to keep drinks cool.

The entire game system 2 could be deflated for easy transport or storage, and inflated and placed on a hard surface or in a body of water when in use.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is not limited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects. 

1. A game system comprising: a selectively inflatable structure comprising a bottom portion, a vertical tower extending up and away from said bottom portion, and at least one arm extending away from a top end of said vertical tower, wherein each of said bottom portion, said vertical tower, and said at least one arm are separately selectively inflatable while being permanently connected; said inflatable structure configured to be selectively transformed from a first, uninflated orientation to a second, inflated orientation such that said inflatable structure may float on the top of a body of water; said at least one arm ending in an anchor point, a string having a first end tied to said anchor point and a second end tied to a tossable object; and a goal connected to said vertical tower, said goal associated with said tossable object such that said goal may receive said tossable object when tossed towards said goal.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said tossable object comprises a ring and said goal comprises a hook.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said tossable object comprises a ball and said goal comprises a basket.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein said bottom portion comprises a beverage receptacle.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said vertical tower comprises an inflatable tree trunk and said at least one arm comprises an inflatable palm leaf.
 6. (canceled) 